While the entire world looks forward to the release of 2.0, its creator director S Shankar silently marked his 25th anniversary in the movies. July 30 marked 25 years of the release of the blockbuster called Gentleman, his debut movie. His assistants, many of whom have gone on to make a name for themselves as directors, came together to celebrate the school called Shankar. Among them were Balaji Sakthivel, Vasanthabalan, Arivazhagan and Atlee. The director got on Twitter to thank his team. Lyca Productions, producers of 2.0, also took the opportunity to wish him.
Overwhelmed by the affection showed by my assistants. Without you all my journey wouldn’t be possible.? pic.twitter.com/QeA6x2PSaT
— Shankar Shanmugham (@shankarshanmugh) July 31, 2018
Before starting off as an assistant to directors such as SA Chandrashekhar and Pavithran, Shankar, who holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering, worked as a quality control supervisor.
In 1993, Gentleman, starring Arjun and Madhoo, released. The movie and AR Rahman’s music went on to become a huge success, and marked the beginning of what would become Shankar’s calling card – vigilante cinema.
Shankar continued his dream run with Kadhalan (1994) and Indian starring Kamal Haasan in 1996. The latter, featuring Haasan in a double role, was India’s official entry to the Oscars. Its sequel has recently been announced, and only Shankar knows if Senapathy thatha will return to teach a lesson to those who err.
The director then went on to make Jeans (1998), which became the most expensive Indian movie to be made until then. The reputation of being an ‘expensive filmmaker’ continues to follow Shankar – 2.0 is touted to be the most expensive Indian film ever made. Shankar has complained that his films never get as much attention as their budgets.
Recommended
Throughout a career spanning 25 years, he has directed 13 movies and produced small, beautiful gems such as Kadhal, Veyil, Eeram and Imsai Arasai 23-aam Pulikesi.
The movies directed by Shankar are noted for their grandeur, especially in the song-and-fight sequences. Shankar says he puts himself in the shoes of both creator and viewer while conceiving of a scene. He believes this is why he has been able to deliver hit after hit – but, this very same trait offers fodder to his detractors.
Will Indian 2 see him return to the vigilante genre after a brief break when he went all high-tech with Robot, I and 2.0? Back to the kind of films that made him a name to reckon with?
Here’s to the director’s next 25!
Image Courtesy: Deccan Chronicle